Cape Wine auction raises R135m for youth education

A high-end charity wine auction is set to once again channel millions into youth education in the Cape Winelands.

The Cape Wine Auction brings together wealthy bidders, wine industry figures and philanthropists for its annual fundraising event.

Since its launch in 2014, the auction has raised more than R135 million, all directed to education-focused organisations working with young people in the region. Organisers say the funds are distributed through a trustee-led model intended to ensure oversight, collaboration and measurable impact.

The event takes place in Paarl on February 7 and centres on a tightly curated catalogue of high-value, once-off auction lots, deliberately designed to drive competitive bidding. Auction director Darielle Robertson said scarcity is key to the model.

“These opportunities come along once, for one auction and are seldom repeated,” Robertson said.

Among the headline offerings is a private wine experience in Chablis hosted by AdVini, giving bidders access to Domaine Laroche’s vineyards, cellars and historic estate — experiences not available through standard tourism channels.

Another major lot links Stellenbosch producer Journey’s End Wines to international sport, offering VIP access to the Queen’s Club Championships in London, including private hospitality seating and accommodation. Organisers say pairing premium wine brands with elite sporting events has proved effective in attracting high bids.

Luxury travel also features prominently, with a seven-night private villa stay through The Hideaways Club, allowing bidders to select destinations across Europe, Africa or Asia. Art collectors are targeted with a life-size bronze sculpture by South African sculptor Anton Smit, one of the highest-value non-wine items in the catalogue.

Tickets range from R650 for general access to R9,500 per person for premium experience packages offered on request. While the event remains exclusive by price and scale, organisers argue the format enables substantial sums to be raised in a single day for education initiatives.

As education-focused non-profit organisations face increasing funding pressure, the Cape Wine Auction continues to operate as a significant private funding stream for youth education in the Cape Winelands, raising broader questions about the growing reliance on elite philanthropy to support social development.

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Cape Argus